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Centipedes

The scutigera has one pair of legs per segment. Contrary to what its common name of centipede suggests, this arthropod has in fact only 30 feet (15 pairs).

Photo: Insectarium de Montréal (Laurent Desaulniers)

Like other centipedes, the scutigera is equipped with a pair of appendages called forcipules. Each of them ends with a hook through which flows venom for paralyzing prey.

Photo: Insectarium de Montréal (Laurent Desaulniers)

Tabs group

Description

Centipedes are myriapods They are part of the Chilopoda class, which includes around 3,500 known species. This small animal can grow to a length of 2.6 cm. On its head are a pair of long filiform antennae that act as auditory receptors. Its segmented body, which ranges from beige to greyish yellow in colour, is often marked by three darker stripes running lengthwise along its back. Its belly is whitish.

Centipedes have long, thin legs with alternating light and dark stripes. Its back legs are longer than its front legs, allowing the insect to run more quickly, as its back legs can move close to its front legs without interference. Its last pair of legs contains sensory organs and is not used for locomotion, but acts a bit like a second pair of antennae situated at the other extremity of the body.

Life cycle

During mating, the male and female touch each other with their antennae and move in a circle. The male’s sperm is contained in a small, thin-walled pouch called a spermatophore. During the mating dance, the male places the spermatophore on the ground. The female then places herself on the small pouch, letting it penetrate her genital area, where it fertilizes her eggs.

Eggs are laid individually on the ground. Depending on her size, a female may lay from 130 to 290 eggs. When they are born, centipedes only have the beginning of legs. The number of segments these appendages have increases little by little over the course of six moults. When its legs are fully formed, the centipede undergoes four more moults that enable it to grow and reach sexual maturity.

Geographic distribution

Originally from Europe, this species was probably introduced into North America by the first ships that sailed to the continent. It has spread to many countries across the world and is now a cosmopolitan arthropod.

Class

Chilopoda

Order

Scutigeromorpha

Family

Scutigeridae

Habitat/Diet

Habitat

In Quebec, centipedes live in homes, especially warm, humid areas like the basement and the bathroom. They live in the walls, plumbing, cracks, ventilation ducts, and damp cellars. They are often spotted in the bathtub or sink or near drains.

In warmer areas, centipedes can live in nature.

Diet

Centipedes are carnivorous. They hunt many small animals, especially insects and arthropods. In homes, they eat flies, silverfish, cockroaches and sowbugs.

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Interesting facts

When it is threatened, the centipede tries to repel its enemy by emitting a foul-smelling odour. If this does not work, it defends itself by biting its attacker with its forcipula.

Very few bites are reported on humans, and such incidents would occur primarily when the animal is cornered or handled.

Scutigera coleoptrata does not transmit diseases to humans or animals and causes no material damage.

Methods of control

This arthropod rarely lives indoors in large numbers. Some people are very frightened of these small, long-legged creatures. If you are one of them, try to capture the centipede using a container with a large opening to remove it from the house.

Reduce excess humidity in the room with a fan, air conditioner or dehumidifier.

The centipede is considered to be a useful predator that helps to eliminate insects. It is to your advantage to tolerate its presence and let it hunt in peace instead of killing it.

Centipedes frequently hide in cracks. If needed, use silica gel or diatomaceous earth in areas where you know they live. Follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully when applying.

Ecological roles

This predator helps control populations of insects and small arthropods. This is why it is considered beneficial in gardens and homes. Centipedes are also a food source for other predators, including birds, mammals and insects. It can be a host for various internal parasites.